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This week, a trial began in Ottawa that has heightened Canadian parents' concerns about sending their children and teens out of the house with expensive electronic devices such as iPods.

A youth is charged in the stabbing death of 22-year-old Michael Oatway, an Ottawa man allegedly killed for his girlfriend's iPod on a city bus.

Police call iPod assaults an epidemic, not unlike the spate of violent swarmings in the 1990s where the prizes were expensive running shoes and jackets. But iPods are more valued because one size fits all.

"They're ubiquitous," Vancouver Police Constable Tim Fanning said. Nearly every young person has one or wants one. Users are easy to spot, sporting the white ear buds, often referred to as "mug me" earphones.

"For a thief, it's like a crow seeing something shiny," Constable Fanning said.

What do you think? Would you give up your iPod if threatened? Or would you fight to keep it, at any cost? Do you worry your children are in danger when they head outside wearing their iPods?

Leave your comment here , using our comment function and we'll post some of the remarks below.

John Deriso from Calgary, Canada writes: Why are people giving their children 300$ consumer electronics?

A Curmudgeon from Mississauga, Canada writes: John Deriso, so if someone has something of value, are you implying that it is their fault if they are swarmed and robbed? People are being beaten and killed and your implication is that they deserved it because they are carrying something of value. While you are at it, why don't you start questioning whether a woman was raped if it turns out she was wearing attractive clothes. Stop blaming the victim.

Gregory Alan Elliott from , Canada writes: When we live in a society where our identities are formed partially by our possessions, it isn't surprising that the 'identity have not' kids steal from the kids with possessions/identities. The same thing is happening with adults on this planet -- Humans have a real identity crisis and I think the only real solution is to identify the problem in yourself, and hope that others pick up on your lead. Simply put, give freely to those who look as if they need something, and thank them for the opportunity to help out. It will 'look good' on you. Maybe they can apply the same thinking during the G20 meetings this weekend? What we all have been doing so far sure isn't working too well.

Mike Little from Kingston, Canada writes: Well one would need to calculate the initial cost of the unit, and the depreciation along with the current market value of similar units. Also income is important and having sufficient capital to replace a stolen unit. These calculations would have to be balanced the likelihood of retrieving the lost unit and the costs that could bear. Oh wait, blind rage wins.

Michael A from Toronto, Canada writes: Is it fight or flight? Human nature, basically. I carry an iPhone and I don't consider myself an aggressive person or a fighter, but don't see why I'd hand over my iPhone to a mugger, and not because it's hard to replace. I don't imagine Rogers having any sympathy for my lost; they would keep on over-charging me for the monthly service charge to a phone I don't have anymore. No, I think I'd have to draw a line and fight, or in my case run, and keep something I can't lose because the montery lose per month would be unbearable. There's a problem in our society where people can get away with crime and not pay the price. In the UK, victims get compensation for being mugged or attacked when the police are not able to respond and protect. If I was mugged and my iPhone taken, the police and city would have to be held accountable for not protecting me. I have a right to walk down the street, regardless of the possessions upon my person and not be attacked.

Wtf, Over? from Raincouver Canada writes: I don't have an ipod and I don't want one, but if someone tried to steal one from me I'd give it to them. Not because I'm weak-kneed, but because if I fought back I'd be liable to be charged. I know from personal experience.

I was recently the victim of an unprovoked attack at a traffic light by a couple of drunk youths who kicked out my window and punched my brother in the face. I asked the cop afterward if I had the right to retaliate on his behalf. The answer: ' You have the right to call 911. ' End of rights. I already knew that answer, so I held my cool and stayed out of it.

How about that?!? What is wrong with this country and it's INJUSTICE system? I should have had the right to beat that guy senseless, break a few bones, teach him not to attack innocent people. Everyone knows that our courts won't do anything, they're a joke!

So there you go, hand over your nice shiny stuff to the thug, or else YOU THE VICTIM will be the one doing time...

Bad Lady from Canada writes: Michael A wants the city and police to be financially accountable for not protecting him if he gets mugged. Apparently city officials are omniscient beings capable of being in all places at all times. Look, the government isn't your mom, nor is it your insurer. And will Michael gladly pay the enormous tax increase that would be required to fund babysitting him?